“How do you know, though?”
“I saw him walking into a restaurant. Aiden was talking with her and guiding her in with his hand on her back like he used to do with me.”
She lets out a small laugh. “Jeni, it could’ve been anyone. A business associate or a new client.”
Oh, I guess I didn’t think of that.
A song plays in the café, “Six Degrees of Separation” by The Script. I listen intently to the lyrics. How fitting—it’s exactly what I’ve been going through, and maybe right now, in this minute, I’m at the sixth degree of separation. I’m starting to see that perhaps I’ve fucked up.
“Sandy, do you think he still loves me?”
She smiles. “Of course, he does. You don’t just wake up one day and stop loving someone. Especially considering the intensity of the love Aiden has for you.”
Have I been out of my mind?
He’s special—a kind, caring man, who’s done nothing but love and adore me.
Oh my God!
“My mind has been tormenting me with crazy images of Aiden that simply aren’t true.”
“Perhaps, after all is said and done, Aiden is an exception and proof all men are not the same. Your mind is not always your best friend, Jeni, but your heart guides you, and you should listen to it.”
It hits me like a tidal wave.
Hard.
Unwavering.
Resolute.
Aiden’s not just an exception, he is my exception!
Realizing what I need to do, I stand abruptly, my chair almost toppling backward with the sudden movement.
She smiles and nods. “Go get him, Jeni.”
“Thanks so much, Sandy.” I kiss her on the cheek, turn, and sprint. My feet pound hard on the pavement, running as fast as I can down the block to O’Connell Finance. My legs ache, and I’m completely out of breath by the time I reach the parking garage. I’m so unfit these days, probably from the lack of food and complete absence from any sort of physical exercise because I am too busy feeling sorry for my damn self.
Well, it stops.
Right here.
Right now.
I need Aiden by my side.
The concept of being without him is now unfathomable.
I spot Mike and dash over to him. “Mike. Mike, is he here?” I yell.
He smiles brightly as his eyes meet mine. “Yes, he’s in his office. It’s so good to see you, Miss. Taylor.”
“You, too, Mike,” I blurt out while running past him.
I take the stairs two at a time and run through the sliding door into the main foyer. It’s strange not seeing Josie at her desk, but I continue to the elevator ignoring that fact.
My foot taps impatiently as I ride the elevator. The doors open to Aiden’s floor, and I spot that pretty brunette bitch sitting at my desk.